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Chlamydia infections in women
Cervicitis - chlamydia; STI - chlamydia; STD - chlamydia; Sexually transmitted - chlamydia; PID - chlamydia; Pelvic inflammatory disease - chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection spread through sexual contact (STI). This means this infection is passed from one person to another during sexual contact.
Causes
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Both males and females may have this infection. However, they may not have symptoms. As a result, you may become infected or pass the infection to your partner without knowing it.
You are more likely to become infected with chlamydia if you have:
- Sex without using a condom
- Had multiple sexual partners
- Been infected with chlamydia before
Symptoms
Most women do not have symptoms. But some have:
- Burning when they urinate
- Pain in the lower part of the belly, possibly with fever
- Painful intercourse
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Vaginal discharge
or bleeding after intercourse
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge refers to secretions from the vagina. The discharge may be:Thick, pasty, or thinClear, cloudy, bloody, white, yellow, or greenOdor...
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Exam and Tests
If you have symptoms of a chlamydia infection, your health care provider will collect a culture or perform a test called a nucleic acid amplification test.
In the past, testing required a pelvic exam by a health care provider. Today, very accurate tests can be done on urine samples. Vaginal swabs, which a woman collects herself, can also be tested. Results take 1 to 2 days to come back. Your provider may also check you for other types of STIs. Most common STIs are:
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Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
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HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune ...
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Syphilis
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is most often spread through sexual contact.
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Hepatitis
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
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Herpes
Herpes
Herpes viral culture of a lesion is a laboratory test to check if a skin sore is infected with the herpes simplex virus.
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Even if you have no symptoms, you may need a chlamydia test if you:
- Are 25 years old or younger and are sexually active (get tested every year)
- Have a new sexual partner or more than one partner
Treatment
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. Some of these are safe to take if you are pregnant. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
Both you and your partner need to take the antibiotics. Finish all of them, even if you feel better and still have some left. All of your sexual partners must take the antibiotics. Have them take the medicines even if they do not have symptoms. This will prevent you from passing the STIs back and forth.
Gonorrhea often occurs with chlamydia. Therefore, treatment for gonorrhea is often given at the same time.
Safe sex practices are needed to prevent becoming infected with chlamydia or spreading it to others.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Antibiotic treatment almost always works. You and your partner should take the medicines as directed.
If chlamydia spreads into your uterus, it can cause scarring. Scarring can make it harder for you to get pregnant. You can help prevent this by:
- Finishing your antibiotics when you are treated
- Making sure your sexual partners also take antibiotics
- Talking to your provider about being tested for chlamydia and seeing your provider if you have symptoms
- Wearing condoms and practicing safe sex
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Make an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of chlamydia.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial infections in adolescents and adults. Updated June 4, 2015. www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/chlamydia.htm . Accessed July 14, 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations for laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae , 2014. MMWR Recomm Rep . 2014;63(RR-02):1-19. PMID: 24622331. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24622331 .
Geisler WM. Diagnosis and management of uncomplicated chlamydia trachomatis infections in adolescents and adults: summary of evidence reviewed for the 2015 centers for disease control and prevention sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Clin Infect Dis . 2015;(61):774-84. PMID: 26602617. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26602617 .
Geisler WM. Diseases caused by chlamydiae. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 318.
Hechtman L. Infertility, Female. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2013:chap 179.
LeFevre ML; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med . 2014;161(12):902-910. PMID: 25243785. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25243785 .
Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep . 2015;64(RR-03):1-137. PMID: 26042815. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26042815 .
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Female reproductive anatomy - illustration
External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.
Female reproductive anatomy
illustration
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Uterus - illustration
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
Uterus
illustration
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Antibodies - illustration
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
Antibodies
illustration
-
Female reproductive anatomy - illustration
External structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris. Internal structures include the uterus, ovaries and cervix.
Female reproductive anatomy
illustration
-
Uterus - illustration
The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth.
Uterus
illustration
-
Antibodies - illustration
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
Antibodies
illustration
Review Date: 5/21/2016
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
